exclusive interviews with
CASTING AGENT TO THE STARS’
DENISE CHAMIAN AND COMIC
KING MIKE RICHARDSON.

JULY 2011/ VOL. 10

SUMMER
CELEB MUST-HAVES

Kat

Kramer:
Making a
difference

TRUMP CHICAGO
WORLD’S BEST
AWARD WINNER 2010

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER CHICAGO

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago has been named the #1 Large City Hotel in the
Continental U.S. and Canada in Travel + Leisure’s 2010 World’s Best Awards. Experience ultimate
luxury for yourself in Chicago or any of the other remarkable Trump Hotel Collection locations.
®

This issue gives us an exceptional view of Los Angeles. From the beauty
of films created and casted in the creative-haven of the landmark
Sunset Gower Studios to the efforts made by the Saban Free Clinic to
help people who lack health insurance. The words inside this forum of
journalist freedom forces us to take a look at the parallels that make this
a city of great diversity. Both fame and fortune fill our streets; as does
both unemployment and desperation. But, what makes this a city of
angels is strikingly clear.... for Los Angeles makes good on its promises
to provide both entertainment and vital fundraising. We live in a city
that captures so many angels... from angels who are volunteers and
financial supporters; to the quiet angels that bring attention to worthy
causes by standing behind the red carpet that so many celebrities walk.
All of us together create a place of unique and enduring inspiration.
Get ready for this issue full of exciting A-Listers such as Kat Kramer,
daughter of legendary director Stanley Kramer; along with new fashion
finds; delightful summer sweetness and engaging stories.
Don’t forget this year’s Sunset Strip Music Festival! The strip will
come alive again in August with thousands of people enjoying
the fantastic line up of live music- this year we’ve got Motley Crue,
Bush, Matt &Kim - and festivities.... It’s truly an experience that only
LA’s infamous Sunset Strip could pull off! For more info go to www.
sunsetstripmusicfestival.com
My hope is each of you enjoyed a wonderful 4th of July and kick-off to
a sensational summer! Freedom Should Light The Way! May we always
celebrate the freedom our independence promises; in our opinions,
our actions and in our ability to be who we are.

KEEP UP WITH HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY AT:
www.hollywoodweeklymagazine.com
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
@hollywoodweeklymagazine

“Family and friends are very
important to my level of joy. If I am
well surrounded I know that I am
always going to be experiencing
moments of pure jubilation.”
A HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE
Q&A WITH REBECCA WANG.

R

ebecca,
your
talent
is
extraordinary.
“Passion Play” is a movie that evokes the senses
in every way. What inspired you to become
Executive Producer of this film?

A: This was an interesting project with lots of
possibilities. The amazing cast was a positive factor that was
heavily considered before launching myself whole heartily
into the production of “Passion Play.” The people who were
involved in felt that there was a potential in this film.
HW: The film reminds us of how beautiful nature is. What
made New Mexico the choice for filming?
A: New Mexico is a very popular location for film studios and
their crews. The scenic view are beautiful and the desert life
seemed to be an interesting place for the backdrop of the
film. One of the reasons we chose to shoot in New Mexico
to draw on the emotions generated by the landscape and
amplify the film’s symbolism.
HW: When did you first read the script? What first attracted
you to it?
A: The emotions were simply powerful and this tale of
redemption which continuously flirting with the natural
boundaries of reality was interesting. I first read the script in
2009 and thought that it had potential.
HW: How would you describe your relationship with the
writer/director Mitch Glazer?

R ebecca

Wang
AN INTERNATIONAL
SUCCESS STORY
6 - Hollywood WEEKLY

By Jenny Werth

A: Mitch is a very talented screenwriter and has proved it
time and time again, this ambitious script was no different.
Although our artistic differences caused us to have a very
different approach to the entire film, I thought it was best to
trust his judgment and let him direct the way he wished to. I
am pleased he had the opportunity to realize his dream.
HW: The film has some phenomenal actors including Megan
Fox and Mickey Rourke- what drew them to perform in this
film?
A: The script was unusual and there was a good feeling from
the cast that they were interested in getting involved in
something very different. And the potential of this film was
obviously recognized at the time.
HW: How did your passion for fashion and the arts influence
your decisions as the Executive Producer on this film?

A: My passion for fashion and the arts influenced several of
my decisions as Executive Producer on this film. Not only
did they influence my decisions but they influenced my
approach such as the ability to turn an idea into a vision and
a vision into a finished production. This skill is something
that I developed over my years of experiences in artistic
world and fashion industry and now in film.
HW: You have so many talents in the fashion/entertainment
world and a Master’s in Psychology. Is there a connection
between your experiences with fashion, entertainment
and psychology? Perhaps something that bridges them all
together for you as a producer?
A: The greatest single connection I can think of is the art
of communication. Although there are many overlappivng
skills to draw on. Fashion, film and psychology are methods
of communication with singular messages and unique
methods. Psychology is far more direct than it is in the
field of fashion or film
but the means to convey
that message is where the
vast differences lay. If I
could bridge the together
in a motion picture
that involves fashion or
psychology that would
make
a
fascinating
production.
HW: What brings the joy
out of life for you? Is there
anything in particular
that makes you “spread
your wings?”

designs of “Black Swan” with Natalie Portman. I also recently
enjoyed “Blue Valentine”. This was a very powerful film
about love and tenderness driven by basic human instincts.
It made the entire production very beautiful to watch and
Derek Clanfrance put it together wonderfully.
HW: You’re a supporter of the Prince of Wales Drawing
School. It sounds like such a liberating school! Please tell
us more about this unique school and how you became
involved with it.
A: The Prince’s Drawing School is a school of arts that gives
opportunities to those that would not otherwise have them
to express themselves in art and be coached by the highest
standards. For some it is a means to express a troubled past,
for others it is an opportunity to demonstrate their skills
when their natural environment would otherwise have
prevented them from such experiences. I became involved
with this trust as I understand the importance it can have
on children of all ages
to use art as a form
of expression when
other mediums have
failed them. It is a trust
I believe in and want
to support.

“The greatest single
connection I can think of is
the art of communication....
Fashion, film and psychology
are methods of communication
with singular messages and
unique methods.”

A: Family and friends are
very important to my level of joy. If I am well surrounded I
know that I am always going to be experiencing moments of
pure jubilation. However the areas where I wish to “spread
my wings” is in philanthropy. I want to spread my wings
out as much as possible and use those wings to shelter
those in need and make entertainment and philanthropy
synonymous with Rebecca Wang Entertainment.
HW: As an Executive Producer, what would you most like to
see more of in the films of today?
A: I would like to see more films that convey positive
messages which specifically target adult audiences as Disney
films once did for us when we were children. I don’t mean
adult cartoons but motion pictures that inspire our dreams
and aspirations as did fairytale, that is before we found out
that life was somewhat more complex. I would also like to
see more productions from smaller studios, to challenge the
quality of Hollywood blockbusters with the full backing of
high calibre actors, talents,directors and screenwriters.
HW: Please tell us a few of your favorite films, and why.
A: I don’t want to delve into the classics or the films from
previous generations so I will cite examples of current
releases that compare to the greats like “Rabbit Hole” with
Nicole Kidman. I thought the performances were so very real
and touching and that the unravelling of the plot was close
to brilliance. I particularly enjoyed watching the artistic

HW: Do you have a
definition of fashion
and/or beauty?

A: Fashion is very
personal
and
feel
it should be used
to
express
one’s
personality
more
than societies’. Following trends and wearing clothes is
one thing but choosing a style to express who you are, how
you live and where you come from is a very intelligent way
of communicating to everyone around you without even
speaking to them. Beauty comes in different form and can
only be defined by those that have the ability to appreciate it.
HW: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
A: It is difficult to predict so far ahead but I can say for
certainty that I hope to have developed my production house
by then with greater specialities in film, TV, Fashion and
philanthropy without a shadow of a doubt. For everything
else I will leave it to fate and I look forward to the surprises
ahead.
HW: What words of advice would you offer aspiring
producers in Hollywood?
A: I would tell them to make sure that it is what they want,
truly. To be honest with themselves regarding the reasons
why they want to be in this industry and draw on their
patience, discipline and determination to apply themselves
in this trade.

July 2011 - 7

New Hollywood

RISING STAR
SPECIAL Q&A WITH

Brooke Bennett

W

hat is it about acting
that you enjoy the
most?

A: I just feel that satisfies all of the
things I’ve learned in life. Acting is
just a platform that can showcase
everything I’ve done and learned.
Growing up as an only child, my
parents had me doing everythingevery sport and every music instrument; I also sang and danced. I
did a lot, so I feel acting is an ideal
gateway to sum up all of those
things. I could showcase all these
talents in a film or a TV show.

HW: You’ve had several roles in
crime dramas like “CSI Miami,”
and “Saving Grace,” why is it that
you think that you may be cast for
these roles?
A: I guess certain looks of mine
look serious and professional, and
they see that as I keep getting casted as this serious upscale person. I mostly do dramas, I just recently finished
a horror film. I played a news reporter in “Zombie Apocalypse” where I played one of the survivors.
HW: How did your family feel about your decision to become an actress?
A: They are behind me 100-percent . They are my biggest
supporters. They believe in me, and that’s what keeps me
going. I want to do this mostly for them.
HW: What is your academic background like?
A: My first year of college I studied engineering which
I was kind of pushed into. Out of 300 students, I was
the only black female in my class. I decided I wanted a
change so I moved to California and changed my major to broadcasting. I just knew I wanted to be on TV in
some capacity. I didn’t want to major in film. I wanted my
8 - Hollywood WEEKLY

acting to be separate from school;
I wanted another curriculum that
I could do besides acting because
you never in this town...I wanted
something to fall back on.
HW: What would you like your
parents to see out of your accomplishments? Why is it important
for them to see your success?
A: It’s important because of their
belief in me. I feel that I have to do
this for them and they know I love
it. It will make them happy to know
that I’m doing something I love
and succeed in it.
HW: Are there any types of celebrities that you feel would make a
great mentor to establish that type
of relationship with?
A: I look up to Angelina Jolie and
Halle Berry for being the first African American to receive an Oscar…
I want to follow in her footsteps. I want to do the type
of roles she’s done that are so versatile. I want to cross
all barriers. I want to be known as a successful African
American actress but I don’t want to do just African
American movies I want to be known across all borders
as an actress.
HW: What would you like people or potential employers
to know about you?
A: I want people to know that I can deliver what I think
they’re looking for. I have a certain amount of education and experience. In school I majored in broadcasting but I also minored in anthropology. I have a lot of
knowledge about life that I don’t think many people
have yet, and I think I can utilize that in my skills.
For more information on Brooke Bennett contact
UEM Management Division (310)836-2446 www.ueminc.net email: Launy@ueminc.net

BY: Kat Kramer
he Hollywood Arts Council recently presented
their 25th Annual Charlie Awards Luncheon
in the Blossom Room of the legendary
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. I was lucky to be
able to attend the sold-out event emceed by
ABC 7 Television’s George Pennacchio. The
honorees were Larry King (Media Arts) Sunset Gower Studios
(Hollywood Arts) Hollywood Tower/Hollywood LaBelle
(Architectural Arts) Celebration Theatre (Theater Arts) Starline
Tours (Entertainment Arts), L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers Of The
Future (Literary Arts-Inaugural Presentation in this new
award category) and Nine O’Clock Players/Assistance League
Of Southern California ( Community Arts).
I was there to support all the honorees, especially Larry King
and the Sunset Gower & Bronson Studios. I have been an
in-studio guest on Larry King “Live” and have a significant
history with the Sunset Gower Studios. My father Stanley
Kramer made some of his most celebrated films there when it
was still the Columbia Studios. Among them are “Guess Who’s
Coming To Dinner,” and “The Wild One.” We have the Stanley
Kramer Theatre on the lot now, in my father’s memory. It is
decorated with my father’s memorabilia and was established
by my mother Karen Sharpe-Kramer. I also started my own
screening series at the theatre called “Kat Kramer’s Films That
Change The World” dedicated to screening feature films and
documentaries pertaining to social-issues.

The Charlie Awards luncheon is an important ceremony
which benefits Project Soar (Students Overcoming All Risks).
President of the Hollywood Arts Council, Nyla Arslanian
said, “We raised $50,000 at the luncheon. Monies raised will
help benefit the Project S.O.A.R. in eight Title 1 Hollywood
elementary schools and our Annual Free Children’s Festival at
Paramount Pictures. This is a challenging year economically,
but our kids’ art programs must continue. Hollywood’s at-risk
children can’t wait for times to get better. We are very grateful
to all who attended the event and to our sponsors for their
generous support.“ Her husband,Oscar Arslanian served as
producer of the event. A wax figure of Larry King was provided
by Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Upon receiving his award,
Larry King said, “I want to thank the Hollywood Arts Council.
It’s really a joy to be here. I feel right at home. I’m so proud to
be part of this community. “
Celebrity award presenters included Joseph Bologna,Michael
Corey Davis, Alec Mapa, Julie Newmar, Sam Smith, Connie
Stevens, Renee Taylor and Mark Valley. Connie Stevens
presented the award to Sunset Gower Studios. Quite fittingly,
she also told the guests that Sunset Gower & Bronson Studios
is “one of the largest independent studios.”
She described the celebrated History of the studio. It is a
true Renaissance in Hollywood. The award was accepted
by Chris Barton of Hudson. He said that the Moguls who
created Columbia believed in “living the dream. “ And that
is the tradition they are continuing at Sunset Gower/SunsetBronson Studios. It was a day to remember.
July 2011 - 9

Elise NeaL

on Disney’s “A.N.T. Farm” and her film “Timeless”
BY: Christina Anastasiou

Among the talent behind some of Hollywood’s most successful projects
such as 2005’s “Hustle and Flow” and the ABC hit show, “The Hughleys,” is
the multifaceted and triple threat, Elise Neal.

A natural born performer

since the age of six, she began her career as a dancer. Her background has
built an intense foundation that has now manifested into her work as both
actress and producer.

She is warm and friendly, yet poignant and straight

to the point. She calls Memphis her home, and seeing her rise as a small
town girl with a dream to perform, to being a Hollywood A-lister is inspiring.
10 - Hollywood WEEKLY

H

er talent continually
charms
audiences
with
her
presence
on stage, film, and
television. Currently, on
Disney’s “A.N.T. Farm,”
premiering this month,
Elise plays Roxanne,
a mother of a musical
protégé Chyna. Elise says of Roxanne, “Playing
Chyna’s mom is great-I get to play a mom and a
party planner, and wear fun costumes.” The show
will air Friday nights and will attract a new audience
for Neal.
Raised in Tennessee, Elise trained in ballet and
in her teens, attended the Philadelphia College of
Performing Arts. Soon after, she relocated to New
York City. She studied acting, singing, and dancing.
She found herself on Broadway and toured in
various musicals. Neal says, “I had three passports,
I was always touring.”
Her drive and love
of
performance
have garnered her
nominations
for
best
actress
and
supporting actress.
Neal’s comedic timing
earned her one of
her most memorable
roles where she played
“Yvonne,” on the hit
show, “The Hughleys.”
The show first aired
on ABC and was later
picked by UPN for
two years, giving Neal a full wind of exposure to
American audiences. Earlier in her career, she
appeared on countless shows, such as “Living
Single,” “The Wayans Bros,” “CSI,” “The Cape,” and
“Private Practice.” On “Hustle & Flow” she says, “I
loved that it was filmed in my hometown. Terrance
Howard once said of me, “They love her- I can’t get
any love there!” It is apparent that Neal is proud of
her Memphis roots and her love of her hometown,
is taking her right back to work on her own first
feature film project entitled, “Timeless.” She is
delving into producing and writing. On her writing
she says, “It allows me to do something I have never
done before. “ She co-wrote the film with writer

and actress Robin Thede. Elise continues, “It’s
about a woman who runs a dance school. It’s
going to be filmed in Tennessee, I can’t imagine
anywhere else where I would want to film. The
film commission has been very supportive of
me.”
Elise is unstoppable and has an infinite zeal
for performing. When she is not working on a
project, she can be seen in the musical group
which she founded called, “Assorted Flavors.”
The group performs regularly at various music
and charity events. Elise sings on the group’s
catchy pop track called, “Hypnotic.” To tie
in with the song, she has partnered with the
energy drink Hypnotic and has called upon
her famous friends Taryn Manning and Taraji
P. Henson to re-launch the brand with a girl’s
night out style musical act.
As a regular on the red carpet, she knows how
to stay gorgeous. Elise’s stunning statuesque
body and beautiful
face
constantly
attract the attention
of the press and
paparazzi. She is
a fitness maven
and works out at
Barry’s Bootcamp.
Her
workouts
consist of inclines,
sprints, and abs. As
a fashionista, she is
a fan of Mandalay
Designs. She says
with a laugh, “I
love every fashion
magazine, Paris Vogue, Marie Claire, Harper’s
Bazaar; I’ve been on who wore it better lists.”
Audiences and critics alike, often connect the
strong emotional roles to African American
actresses like Halle Berry or Taraji P Henson.
Elise is diverse in her skills and realizes that
in order to create the roles she wants, writing
will give her that power. When asked about
Hollywood’s diversity she says, “I don’t know
what’s going on, but I hope that we are going
towards a positive direction. We’re seeing all
races in film, but it is still a problem. There
aren’t enough stories and voices. What we do
see, is a lot of diversity in reality shows.”

On “Hustle & Flow” she

says, “I loved that it was

filmed in my hometown.
Terrance

Howard

once

said of me, “‘They love her-

I can’t get any love there!’”

warren Beaty announces

dick Tracy sequel

W

BY: Kat Kramer

ell folks, I had the rare opportunity to attend the
opening night of HERO COMPLEX Film Festival at
Mann Chinese 6 right in the heart of Hollywood.
Dedicated to films featuring “Heroes” and comic
book characters,the festival presented by The Los
Angeles Times is in its second year. This year
the legendary Warren Beatty came as a special guest after a
screening of his film “Dick Tracy.” He participated in a lively
Q & A session moderated by the Los Anegeles Times’ Geoff
Boucher. Some of the topics covered were about the film
itself,such as the fact that the Chester Gould created character
of “Dick Tracy” is celebrating its 80th anniversary.The music
in the film by Stephen Sondheim and Danny Elfman is great
and even award winning. Beatty said that “Stephen is someone
I’ve known for a long time. I have always been a fan.”
Warren also talked about the film’s stellar cast of Al Pacino,
Madonna, Glenn Headley, Dustin Hoffman, Mandy Patinkin,
Dick Van Dyke, Charles Durning, Paul Sorvino, James Caan
and many others. Beatty said that casting “is often re-writing.”
During the audience participation portion of the evening,a
fan in the audience asked Beatty about directing the young
actor Charlie Korsmo,who played “The Kid.” Beatty responded,
”He was a very smart kid.I didn’t really have to direct him at
all.” The often elusive Beatty, who doesn’t like to discuss films
before they are made, did reveal to the enthusiastic sold-out
crowd of avid film buffs,that indeed a sequel to “Dick Tracy”
is in the works. He also confirmed the rumor that a Blu-ray of
the original film is due. However, true to form, he would not

give us any other details.
One of the highlights of the evening came from a member of
the audience. He asked Beatty if his well-known reluctance
to discuss his films before they are made originates from the
negative press and sabotage of his 1987 film “Isthar.” Evolving
from this question, we learned that most of the people there
love “Ishtar,” and believe the buddy comedy co-starring the
legendary Dustin Hoffman and written and directed by the
expert Elaine May deserves another chance. It has always
been one of my personal favorites,and I’ve always felt it
went over most of the public’s head. In fact, Mr. Boucher of
the Los Angeles Times offered to present a screening of this
misunderstood gem of a movie. And Beatty assured us that
if it were to happen, both Hoffman and May would join him
in a post discussion.If this takes shape,I would welcome the
opportunity to host this at Sunset Gower Studios,the original
location of Columbia Studios. Fittingly, ”Ishtar” was also a
Columbia film. That along with the promise of a “Dick Tracy”
for future generations made the event almost historical.
Katharine “Kat” Kramer is an actress,singer,producer,journalist and activist. She is the daughter of legendary filmmaker
Stanley Kramer,and actress/producer Karen Sharpe-Kramer.
Kat is the godchild and namesake of screen icon Katharine
Hepburn. Kat is currently the West Coast Representative of
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook,
Connecticut.

“Eat, Pray, Love’s”

A Indie Filmmaker Taking Hollywood by the Horns

David Bianchi:

By: Christina Anastasiou

A

myriad of filmmakers and actors have realized that the Hollywood
game comes with a price. David Bianchi had his name in the press
with last year’s box office hit, “Eat, Pray, Love,” where he lent his
sexy voice to the film. He’s had small roles in “Independence Day”
and “Elizabethtown.” His success hasn’t been an easy road, yet he
continues to pound the pavement and knock on doors. He talks
to me about his days as a fellow college thespian at Arizona State University,
his life in L.A., and why he’s determined to take Hollywood by the horns.

CA: David, really, when do you have time to just be David? You
have four films coming out all at once. You’re busier than Denzel
Washington.

DB: I think it’s a shame when entertainers let it go to their heads.

DB: I’m me when I’m working. I have to be proactive every day.

CA: How do you feel about being of mixed race in Hollywood?

CA: “Priest” looks insane. I’m a huge fan of vampire stories, your
role is called “Familiar?”

DB: Well, SAG did a survey of casting for African American in lead roles

DB: I play “Familiar.” It’s a collective, consortium of evil-doers,
a representation of the dead, in post apocalyptic world. I spent
three hours in makeup and I couldn’t see.
CA: What did you like about your project, “Silver Case?” It’s such
a great cast.
DB:

It’s a crime picture. Eric Roberts is in it. We all play fumbling
underground gangsters fighting for a silver case. The director was
Christian Fillipella. He really added the element of pop culture. We had
specific wardrobe, specific flashbulbs, it was incredible.

CA: To see you come from the stages of Arizona and the independent
film scene, to L.A. – it’s a bit surreal to me. You’ve come a long way. Does
it ever go to your head?

It’s a privilege to be an artist. I have respect for folks who have a
grandiose idea of who you are.

and only 2% of the talent pool is cast. 7% are from the Latino pool, they
only fill a small percentage. We still face a battle, it’s a cultural battle.
I may even be compartmentalized myself. I appear African American
and I speak Spanish. The reality is that there are Latinos that are in Black
America. We’ve just painted pictures a certain way, it’s like we are racist
in front of the camera. We have a view of what a Mexican looks like
and me coming off of mixed race, I’m considered, not Black enough.

CA: Lets’ talk about you as a director, writer, and producer. Will you
return to the stage soon?

DB: I enjoy being a part of projects. God is good and has a plan for
everyone. I’d love to be back on stage and be in a good position where
I can work in L.A. and be on Broadway in New York. I’m ready for it. I
know that if I was 23, I would’ve not been able to handle it. I just want
to continue to work hard. The attention is great, but it’s all in how you
reciprocate that attention. Everybody is always looking and I have to
stay ready, because I don’t want to fall short

July 2011 - 13

Kat

Kramer:

Making a
difference

By: David Robb

she may be the closest thing
Hollywood’s got to a

re v olutionary.

M

ost people come to Hollywood to make money or to make a
name for themselves, but Kat Kramer came to Hollywood
to make a difference. Kat is Hollywood royalty, but she’s no
princess. A tireless advocate and promoter of important social
causes, she may be the closest thing Hollywood’s got to a
revolutionary. Kat Kramer wants to change the world, and like
her famous father – legendary producer and director Stanley Kramer – she’d doing
it through the medium of film.
In 2009, she launched Kat Kramer’s “Films That Change the World,” an invitationonly series of screenings of socially relevant films. Her vision was to bring
filmmakers, celebrities, activists and members of the media together in one room,
and then help spread consciousness about those issues to as many people outside
that room as possible.
Lily Tomlin has called her “the James Brown of activism. She works harder than
anyone I know.”
“She’s tackling so much,” Cher marveled at one of Kat’s screenings.
“I’m certain Kat’s father would be very proud of her,” said Marilyn Bergman,
Oscar-winning songwriter and composer.
“I support Kat in trying to change the world, just as her father’s films did,” said
actor and activist Ed Begley, Jr.
Actor Billy Bob Thornton is also a big admirer. “Look,” he said, “anytime you can
do anything that furthers this society in this day and time is a great thing. They’re
a great family and they’re always involved in trying to better our society, and you
can’t beat that. Not everybody’s doing that, and also, they do it selflessly. That’s a
really important thing.”

14 - Hollywood WEEKLY

photography: brian to

A

According to the old Hal David and
Burt Bacharach song, “What the world needs now
is love, sweet love.” The only thing Kat would add to
that is that the world also needs more respect and
understanding.
And while films probably can’t make us love one
another, Kat believes they can certainly help us to
respect and understand one another better.
One day recently, after shooting a public service
announcement at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood,
Kat sat down over a bowl of soup and a salad at a nearby
restaurant to discuss her own work and her father’s
legacy as “the conscience of Hollywood,” whose films
explored such controversial issues as racism, genocide,
animal
rights
and
nuclear holocaust.
“As an independent
film
supporter
and
social activist, my aim is
to carry on my father’s
legacy,” Kat said. “A lot
of my father’s films have
changed the world. The
most important thing
is that film can change
lives – it can make
people think and take
action. Change can take
a long time, but if one
person changes their thinking or tells somebody else to
examine their prejudices, that’s making a change. And
my father’s movies get you to do that.”
“I was certainly influenced by my father, and all of his
movies had issues,” she said, barely sipping at her soup.
“And the filmmakers and movies that I’m interested in
follow the same pattern. My father would be tackling
these issues if he were alive today. That’s why this
screening series is so much in his spirit. And that’s
why Sunset Gower Studios is the perfect place to do it.
I’ve been offered other locations, but I want to keep a
consistent place that has a theme to it and ties into my
dad’s legacy.”
The first film she screened to launch Kat Kramer’s
Films That Change the World was “Yentl,” which was
then celebrating the 25th anniversary of its release.
The film, which was directed, produced, co-written

and starred Barbra Streisand, was a ground-breaking
film that opened doors in Hollywood for generations
of women writers, producers and directors to come.
And appropriately enough, Kat screened it at the
Stanley Kramer Theater on the Sunset Gower lot, where
her father had shot 15 of his films, including “Guess
Who’s Coming To Dinner,” “The Caine Mutiny,” “The
Wild One,” “Member of the Wedding” and “Death of a
Salesman,” when it was still the old Columbia Pictures
backlot.
“I chose ‘Yentl’ because it’s one of my favorite films,”
she says, her soup getting colder and colder by the
minute. “I chose it because it was not only a film that
my father use to love – we had a strong father-daughter
bond over it – but also because Barbra Steisand is
such a force of nature who was ahead of her time as
a filmmaker, actress and singer – everything was a
first in that film. And the film itself is so relevant about
women’s issues.”
But Kat’s genius was in pairing the story of a young
girl in 19th Century Poland who had to battle sexism
just to get an education, with the plight of the women
and girls today in the Congo, who are being raped and
murdered by the hundreds of thousands as part of that
country’s seemingly endless civil war.
Speakers at the screening – which was held during
Women’s
History
Month – included
Marilyn
Bergman,
who was part of the
songwriting
team
that penned the Oscar
nominated songs and
score for “Yentl,” and
who talked about the
film and Streisand’s
battle against the glass
ceiling to get it made;
Bonnie
Abaunza,
vice
president
of
Participant Media and
former director of artists for Amnesty International;
and actress Emmanuelle Chriqui, perhaps best known
for her roles in “Don’t Mess With the Zohan” and HBO’s
“Entourage,” who is also a celebrity spokesperson for
Enough – the project to end genocide and crimes
against humanity – and its Raise Hope for Congo
campaign.
As one blogger who attended the screening wrote:
“Using ‘Yentl’ to help raise awareness of the terrible
abuses of women in the Congo was brilliant!”
Another blogger agreed: “I never would have
thought of ‘Yentl’ in the context of the problems facing
Congolese women…If these are the kinds of issues that
Kat Kramer’s Films That Change the World is bringing
attention to, count me in! I love movies, and I love
people who recognize the power of films to change
things for the better.”

“As an independent film
supporter and social
activist, my aim is to
carry on my father’s
legacy... A lot of my
father’s films have
changed the world.”

photography: brian to
wardrobe: bebe

July 2011 - 17

The second film screened in Kat’s series
was “The Cove,” the chilling animal rights
documentary about the almost ritualistic
killing of dolphins in Japan.
“The Cove,” of course, was not the first
animal rights film ever made. That distinction
may belong to Stanley Kramer’s
1971 film “Bless the Beasts and The
Children,” which tells the story of a
group of misfits who set out to stop
the slaughter of a herd of buffalo.
“The people behind “The Cove’’
told me that ‘Bless the Beasts and The
Children’ changed their lives,’” Kat
says.
Los Angeles City Councilman Tom
LaBonge came to Kat’s screening
of “The Cove” with a City Council
proclamation declaring it “The Cove
Day” in Los Angeles. And immediately
after the screening, the filmmakers headed
out to a Japanese restaurant called The Hump,
and put in place a sting operation that a few
days later led to the restaurant being closed

the media, activists and celebrities. And let’s
face it; celebrities draw the media’s attention
to the issues.”
Networking with celebrities is second nature
to Kat – she’s been doing it since the day she
was born. Her godmother was Katharine

“I don’t invite the
public or charge
admission. They are
think tank-salons.
They’re really for
the media, activists
and celebrities...”
Hepburn, after whom Kat is named. And when
she was born, Hepburn sent her a christening
dress, and a note that said: “For dear little
Katharine, you’ll be forever telling them

for illegally selling whale meat.
The timing for Kat’s screening couldn’t have
been better: It was held just two days before the
March 2, 2010, deadline for the return of Oscar
ballots, and may very well have helped “The
Cove” win the Oscar for Best Documentary.
“I had so many Academy members at
the screening,” Kat recalls, “and afterwards,
several of them told me that it convinced them
to vote for it.”
“If it wasn’t for Kat Kramer’s Films That
Change the World,” the film’s director, Louie
Psihoyos, told Kat, “there’s a good chance we
wouldn’t have won the Academy Award.”
Her soup has gone cold now and Kat begins
picking at her salad. “It’s not my intention
to screen these movies just so they can win
Academy Awards,” she says, “but if a film wins
one or gets international recognition, it just
brings the issues to light more. So really, the
films are tools to spread the awareness to the
public.”
“My screenings are invitation only,” Kat says.
“I don’t invite the public or charge admission.
They are think tank-salons. They’re really for

18 - Hollywood WEEKLY

media’s attention, and they in turn spread
the word around the world: Newspapers,
magazines, TV news and the hundreds of
Internet websites all carried photos of Cher,
Lily Tomlin, Tippi Hedren, Chris Gallucci,
Paula Poundstone, Ed Begley Jr., Billy Bob
Thornton, George Chakiris, Ken Davitian,
Stella Stevens and other celebrities who
came to lend their support.
“My screenings get a lot of coverage
because of the star power that comes
to them,” Kat says. “There were only
125 people in the room, but it got
international attention.”
And “that room,” appropriately enough,
was the chapel on the Sunset Gower lot
– a former sound stage where her father
scored nearly all the films he shot there.
The next documentary Kat will screen
in her series is, once again, about an
extremely timely subject. Titled “Teach Your
Children Well,” it explores the bullying of
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youths
and the recent rash of suicides that this

“Kat is the James

Brown of activism.
She works harder
than anyone I know.”
lily Tomlin

to spell it with an ‘A.’ Love Aunt Kat.”
Today, Kat is the West Coast Representative of
the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.
A singer with a three-octave range – Kat
recorded a song with famed musician, the late
Billy Preston, on an album of Mick Jagger solo
songs she covered – and an actress whose
credits include “Little Fockers” and Henry
Jaglom’s “Going Shopping,” Kat is also a gifted
journalist and producer with a web-series and
a one-woman show in the works.
The third screening in Kat’s series was held
Jan. 20, 2011 at Sunset Gower Studios, which
this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
This time the subject was the biggest land
animal on the planet – and the screening
drew one of the biggest stars on the planet –
Cher.
The film, titled “Elephants and Man: A
Litany of Tragedy,” exposed the heartbreaking
suffering that elephants endure when held
captive in zoos and circuses. But it was the
celebrities in attendance who captured the

particularly cruel form of harassment has
spawned.
“It’s such an unfortunate, sad and critical
issue,” said Lily Tomlin, the film’s narrator.
“There are so many ways now to bully and
harass kids, with texting and the Internet, they
can’t even escape it when they get home.”
“LGBT students are two-to-three times
more likely to be bullied than straight kids,”
said performer Coco Peru, who appears in the
film. “Nine out of ten report that they have
been bullied or harassed.”
Kat’s mother, Karen Sharpe-Kramer, couldn’t
be prouder that Kat is following in her father’s
footsteps.
“She wouldn’t be a Kramer if she didn’t
embrace social issues. We would have kicked
her out of the house,” Karen says with a big
laugh.
Karen, an actress and producer who won the
1954 Golden Globe Award for her performance
in “The High and the Mighty” and has appeared
in over hundred of TV shows and in numerous

films, including “Man with a Gun” opposite
Robert Mitchum and was Jerry Lewis’ leading
lady in “The Disorderly Orderly”. She made
her film debut, ironically enough, in Stanley
Kramer’s 1952 drama “The Sniper,” although
they never met on the set. When they finally
met in 1964; they were married two years later.
From then on, Karen assisted Stanley on all of
his films, and helped cast many of them. And
since his death in 2001, she has devoted herself
to keeping his legacy alive. She’s produced
a TV remake of “High Noon” and is working
on bringing several other adaptations of his
films to the stage and screen. In 2002, she
established the Stanley Kramer Award, which
is given annually by the Producers Guild of
America to films that “illuminate provocative
social issues.”
“My mom changes the world every day just
by being who she is,” Kat says.
Kat comes from a whole family of social
activist, but it is her younger sister Jennifer,
she says, “who inspires me the most, and is the
true artist of the family.”

evolution; ‘Judgment at Nuremberg,’ was a
condemnation of genocide, and ‘Guess Who’s
Coming to Dinner’ was a daring study of
interracial romance.”
Accepting the award, Al Gore said that
Stanley Kramer “brought powerful social
issues to the screen that touched our sense of
moral responsibility.”
tanley’s impact on Hollywood
cannot be exaggerated, which
may explain why he was the
first person to get a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Steven Spielberg, one of the greatest
filmmakers of his generation, said that
Stanley Kramer “was behind some of the most
amazingly socially conscientious pictures
ever made by Hollywood. When you just read
Stanley Kramer’s credits, you look at those
credits and say, ‘That had to be six, seven,
eight filmmakers that made this amazing
contribution to American cinema and to
social reality.’ But in fact it all came from one
heart and one soul and one incredibly talented

Her dad changed the world, too. Harrison
Ford explained how at the 2007 Producers
Guild Awards, when Karen asked him to
present the Stanley Kramer Award to Al Gore
for “An Inconvenient Truth.”
“In an era of filmmaking defined by
escapism,” Ford said, “Stanley Kramer
made his mark, his reputation, taking
on tough social issues. A fiercely
autonomous producer and director,
he had broken through the Hollywood
blacklist to make independent films
before it was fashionable to do so. He
vowed – he pledged – to use film as a
real weapon against discrimination,
hatred, prejudice and excessive power.
The films he made often dealt with
uncomfortable and serious subjects.
And he did it without exploitation or political
paranoia. The most controversial topics of
his day were addressed in films like ‘The
Defiant Ones,’ which tackled racism; ‘On the
Beach,’ which warned of nuclear holocaust.
‘Inherit the Wind’ examined the teachings of

visionary. And that’s one of my favorite
filmmakers of all time – Stanley Kramer.”
Today, with an African American in the
White House, it’s hard to imagine that when

S

affair – was released. And that same year, the
Supreme Court finally ruled that laws banning
interracial marriages were unconstitutional.
Stanley Kramer’s ground-breaking
exploration of race in America – from “The
Defiant Ones”, “Home Of The Brave”, “Pressure
Point” to “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner,”
had a profound effect on the attitudes of
millions of Americans.
And all the while that Stanley Kramer was
turning out masterpieces that spoke to the
American conscience, The industry was
battling one of the worst scourges in American
history – the Hollywood blacklist.
The blacklist began in 1947, when hundreds
of actors, writers and directors who’d been
deemed “unpatriotic” were banned from
working in the movie industry, including
some of the best writers in Hollywood.
The blacklist was in full swing in 1957 when
Stanley Kramer hired Harold Jacob Smith and
blacklisted writer Nathan E. Douglas to coauthor the script for “The Defiant Ones,” which
told the story of two convicts – one black and

one white – who must rely on one another
to escape from a Southern chain gang. It
was Stanley Kramer who officially broke the
blacklist by hiring these two writers, when
blacklisted writers were only being
paid pittance. He paid more for their
screenplay then anyone had ever paid
in seventeen years. He fully credited
them with their rightful names and
against the system brought them on to
the studio lot and hired them as actors
in the movie. The film won the Oscar
that year for best original screenplay.
Kramer re-hired Smith and Young in
1959 to co-author the script for “Inherit
the Wind,” a fictionalized account of
the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, in which
high school biology teacher John
Scopes was accused of violating a Tennessee
law that forbade the teaching of evolution in
public schools. One of the finest courtroom
dramas ever made, with its classic give-andtake of competing ideas on the

“In an era of filmmaking
defined by escapism...
Stanley Kramer made
his mark, his reputation,
taking on tough social
issues.” harrison ford
Barack Obama was born in 1961, his parents
couldn’t have gotten married in 16 states,
where marriages between blacks and whites
were still illegal. It was still illegal in 1967
– the year that “Guess Who’s Coming to
Dinner,” which featured an interracial love

July 2011 - 19

“That had to be six, seven,
eight filmmakers that made
this amazing contribution to
American cinema and to social
reality.’ But in fact it all came
from one heart and one soul
and one incredibly talented
visionary. And that’s one of my
favorite filmmakers of all time –
Stanley Kramer.”Steven Spielberg

nature and origins of man, the film is still relevant today as
America continues to struggle with the issues of science,
religion and freedom of thought.
In those days, the American Legion considered itself a
clearinghouse for Americanism, and when the Legion
learned that Kramer had hired yet another blacklisted writer,
it issued a very un-American letter of condemnation. Famed
playwright Moss Hart, who was then president of the Authors
League of America, rose to Stanley’s defense, sending him
a telegraph that stated: “The Authors League of America
council, which has always unalterably opposed any form
of blacklisting of writers, unanimously voted at a meeting
today to commend and applaud you for your courageous
stand in rejecting publicly the effort to interfere, on pseudopatriotic grounds, with the right of writers to work.���
Kirk Douglas and Otto Preminger are widely credited
with having broken the blacklist in 1960 – the same year
that “Inherit the Wind” was released – when Douglas and
Preminger hired blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo to pen
“Spartacus” and “Exodus,” respectively. But it was Kramer’s
courageous decision to hire Harold Jacob Smith and Nathan
E. Douglas three years earlier to co-write “The Defiant Ones”
that really broke the back of the blacklist.
In 1962, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences
presented Stanley with its most prestigious award – the
Irving Thalberg Award, which is presented to “creative
producers whose bodies of work reflect a consistently high
quality of motion picture production.”
All together, Stanley’s 35 films garnered a staggering 85
Oscar nominations. His most nominated film, “Judgment at
Nuremberg,” will be screened later this year at the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in celebration of the 50th
anniversary of its release.
Not everyone, of course, was happy with Stanley Kramer
and his films.
“Our lives were threatened many times,” recalls his widow,
Karen Kramer. “We got more hate mail than anybody.”

20 - Hollywood WEEKLY

One time, she said, “We were in a restaurant in Hollywood and
someone came up and said, ‘You’re sick, Kramer. You’re sick. Watch
your back.’”
Another time, at a dinner party in Beverly Hills in the late-1960s,
a drunken man seated across the table from the Kramers recognized
Stanley and addressed him in a loud voice.
“Are you the Stanley Kramer who made that film, ‘Guess Who’s
Coming To Dinner’?”
The room fell silent, as all eyes turned to the drunken guest, and
then to Stanley.
“Well,” the drunk continued, “I didn’t like it.”
“That’s fine,” Stanley replied. “You’re entitled to your opinion.”
“No,” the drunk insisted. “You don’t understand. I really didn’t like
it!”
Before things could get out of hand, the host came over, touched
the man’s arm and calmed him down.
But the incident was proof – if any were needed – that Stanley had
touched a nerve.
So far Kat Kramer hasn’t recieved any threats, but there is no doubt,
people out there won’t like what she’s doing either. She is contraversal
she is defiant, and will strike out against injustice in society, and like
her father before her is committed to making a difference.
David Robb covered Hollywood’s unions at Daily Variety and The
Hollywood Reporter for 20 years. He has written articles for the New
York Times, the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times. He is
the author of “Operation Hollywood: How the Pentagon Shapes and
Censors the Movies” (Prometheus Books, 2004). His next book, “The
Gumshoe and the Shrink,” is a real life detective story set against the
backdrop of the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon election that will be published
next year by Santa Monica Press.
For more information about Kat:
www.katharinekramer.com
www.facebook.com/katharinekramer
Global Talent Agency:
www.globaltalentagency.com

ummer has arrived and you’re ready to look as sexy as ever. Looking like Heidi Klum or Blake Lively isn’t far from
your reach anymore. You don’t need a big budget to look like a celebrity. I’ve picked my first beauty and fashion
picks to get you started. From the best hair, skin, and nail products- to a few gorgeous fashion finds. Let loose
because you have two months before fall’s grind begins. Skin- You’re skin says everything about you. Do the
basics-wash, exfoliate, moisturize and don’t smoke. 1. Dr. Perricone MD. Cosmeceuticals is a great foundation to
ease up on blotchy skin and give you a bright glow. Retail $50. 2. After you’ve used your paraben-free face wash, toner, and
moisturizer, try Origins Plantscription Anti Anti-Aging Serum. It contains all natural retinol. Dermotologists have known
the secret powers of retinol and Origin’s lab have added rosemary, anogessius tree bark, siegesbekia. Tree bark contains
Fillbrillin, vital to the skin’s natural elasticity. It’s an antioxidant. Rosemary protects the skin from free radicals. If you’re
beginning to see the laugh lines or lines around the eyes, complement the serum with the Origins skin care line. Retail $50;
www.origins.com Hair - Get Blake Lively’s sassy, yet messy French braid at the premiere of “Green Lantern.” L.A. based hair
stylist, Richelle Bonilla says, “Try Suave’s Professional Line. 3. If you had a long Hollywood night out and don’t have time
to wash your hair, the dry shampoo is great. It adds a hint of shine and your boss will never know that you partied hard the
night before.” Retail $2.74; www.target.com. 4. Next is Suave’s Professional Heat Protection Spray for a tight curl or sexy wave.
Protect your hair from damage and use this for a lasting hold. Retail $3.49; www.soap.com. Bikini Zone - Exhale Ladies....
you can finally shave without the worry of the bumps and rashes afterwards!! Bikini Zone has come to the rescue... just lather
some on and you’re ready for the beach sans the bumps! 5.&6. Bikini Zone After Shave Gel Retail $8.99; www.walgreens.com
22 - Hollywood WEEKLY

11

12

13

9

7
Eyes - Star struck on Hollywood Blvd? Do it in
style. 7 Almay’s one coat triple effect mascara
will make your eyes stand out. Two coats are
great for added effect and it won’t clump. Retail
$7.99 CVS. 8. But to really get attention, bat
your way out of trouble with beautiful Andrea
MODLash lashes or Salon Perfect lashes, Retail
$4.99 CVS. Nails - 9. Try something fun like
OPI’s Shatter Nail Color inspired by “Pirates of
the Caribbean.” Retail $36.00; Amazon.com
Body - 10. Victoria Secret’s Energizing Body
Wash in Grapefruit Lime & Mint will leave you
feeling energized and sexy-and it’s paraben and petrochemical free! Grapefruit, Lime and Mint
(grapefruit and lime are top notes and mint is a middle note in aromatherapy) all three, are good for
relieving fatigue. Retail $10 Victoria’s Secret. Perfume - Aftelier Perfumes is my answer to leaving
you feeling sweet and feminine. The line won this year’s FiFi Award for Fragrance of the Year. 11. The
Honey Blossom is a floral honeyed blended with honeysuckle. Retail $150; www.aftelier.com.
Fashion Finds- 12. Lindsay Vallan, Miami/LA based jewelry designer, has taken the delicate
art of jewelry making and transcended it to a healing art form.
Fusing quartz, crystals, and vintage pieces, she personally
hand makes each piece, leaving one feeling empowered.
She can customize any piece to your liking. - pricing upon
request-www.lindsayvallan.com. 13. As seen on Heidi Klum,
the G-Star Arc Jacket is a must for those cool summer nights
or for an evening stroll on the beach. Retail $230 www.g-star.
com. A Must-Have For The Special Man In Your
Life- It’s summer and you’re off to a breezy sunset cockail
party where looking good is a must. He’ll beat out all the other
guys there with the incredible smell of Jack Black cologne.
Summer is ready for the both of you now! Enjoy it!
14. JB Eau de Parfum Retail $70.00; www.getjackblack.com

rom the shops of Beverly
Hills to who’s new and
hot in Hollywood we’ve
got it all covered! Hollywood Weekly is On The Scene
and ready to bring you with us.
FIDM had it’s Annual fundraiser
fashion show with Paul Hernandez as their debut designer.
Shenae Grimes helped Coke celebrate it’s 125th birthday wearing a vintage inspired coke shirt
which read “Let’s get outrageous
together.” We’ve also got the
guys from the Moods Of Norway
celebrating their 2nd anniversary in style, and Fran Drescher on
the set of her new show in this
months scene.

e carries his suitcases, large white plastic garbage bags and other more durable canvas bags inside a Pavilion’s supermarket shopping cart. Evidently, what he holds in the cart are all he has; or, perhaps all he’s been
able to hold onto. It never fails, I see this man at least four times a week. Often at the bus stop; sometimes
schlepping his possessions across the street in West Hollywood, and every so often, I see him simply ambling in front of the bus stop at the post office- his life belongings all carefully contained within the silver
metal cart. He never makes eye contact, nor does he ask for ‘help.’ In fact, never has he uttered “do you have
any change?,” over the last two years. He simply meanders around, day-after-day, after-day, after-day. And often I wonder,
‘how did this man end up in this devastating position; he can’t be more than 35-years-old, he’s certainly thin, but overall
appears in good-health, he doesn’t seem “insane…” I mean, how would a totally “crazy” man keep up his appearance and
maintain his whole lives’ possessions in a cart if he were totally ‘senseless?”
­26 - Hollywood WEEKLY

P

erhaps it’s harder to ask
the question than to even
consider answering it. The
truth is this: there was a time
this man took my coffee order
at a café’ in West Hollywood,
right down the street from my
home. There was a time that I
looked him square in the eye while making
my morning breakfast order “to-go.” Sure,
I was in a hurry, sure I was in some ‘daily’
crisis, but I DID recognize him… I DID see
his eyes, and I DID know he needed support;
love; guidance; confidence. I could sense it,
I could feel it, I could practically smell it….
But did I do anything about it?
The answer is so obvious, so
pathetically clear: NO! Why?
Because, it was the “woe-is-me”
time, a time when really all I
could think about was MY dayat-hand, MY ordeals, MY goals,
MY problems, MY worries, MY
needs, MY hopes…. Me, myself
and I…. as the cliché’ so goes.
But, let’s take it a bit further.

organizations, including the Saban Free
Clinic. We are donating our Sunset Gower
studio lot to them again this year for their
annual “Extravaganza for the Senses” food
and wine event. They have 40 restaurants
and more than 80 wineries at hand
along with 1500 wine and food lovers in
attendance. It’s a great way for people to
enjoy a fun night out on a summer evening
and support a great cause. Last year, this
event raised over $200,000 for the Clinic.”
It’s a goal the studios would certainly like
to match- or exceed- this year.
An Important Q & A With Abbe Land:

inspired by not only the staff, volunteers
and our supporters, but by our patients
as well. I work closely with Jeffrey Bujer,
also the Co-CEO, whose been working at
the clinic since 1999.
Q. What would happen if you the clinic
didn’t have support through charity
functions?
A. Charity functions are very important;
they help people learn about the work
of the Clinic. The money raised at these
events can be used where we need it most
(as it is usually unrestricted dollars.) With
government funding shrinking,
the merger of companies, and
the tough economy, we depend
more and more on the individual
donations to help us.
Q. There are often confusions
as to who “works” in these free
clinics. Can you please clarify
how these clinics function? Re:
do you have particular doctors/
dentists who come into one of the
clinics every day that donate their
time and resources?

The whole “me-society” is a clear
example of our ever-increasing
narcissistic country. We just
celebrated our Independence
A. We have a full time staff of
Day, and for that we are a
doctors, dentists, nurses, medical
proud nation. But, sometimes
assistants and administrators. We
a bit too independent, we can
also have volunteers who help
be. I often reflect that ‘peopleas well. Our optometry clinic is
need-people,’ not only fierce
staffed by volunteers and many of
independence. As fate would
the specialty services we provide
have it, I walked into the Saban
are provided by volunteers. It
Free Clinic to write a story
is important for people to know
on them and their upcoming
that we only have licensed and
annual charity “Extravaganza
credentialed providers. We are as
for the Senses” food and wine
regulated as many of our hospital
images from “Extravaganza for the Senses”.... “It’s a great
event, and the first person I
partners (such as the physicians
way for people to enjoy a fun night out.... Last year, this
noticed was him- the man I
at Cedar’s Sinai). We are grateful
always see throughout the city!
that so many people want to
event raised over $200,000 for the Clinic,” TerrI MELKONIAN
In a city of millions of people,
volunteer with us and help in
V.P. OF Sales/Marketing Sunset Gower & Bronson Studios
I see him again. Is there a
any way they can. (Volunteers do
reason? Perhaps. It is odd that I
everything) from working at the
see HIM all the time? Perhaps. Am I going to
registration desk, to helping at an event,
do something about it? Perhaps. Am I going Q. Please tell me how the Saban Free Clinic to filing charts, or providing medical
to help him or help this free clinic? Perhaps. makes a difference in the lives of people and counseling services. There’s a place
But, will his shadow haunt me somehow? who don’t have insurance?
for anyone who wants to help. To find
Absolutely… it’s already been haunting me.
out how you can help, call or email the
I’m furious that people like this man are still A. The Saban Free Clinic can give people volunteer coordinator, Teena Thornton.
wandering around the streets of our country, peace of mind, just by knowing there tthronton@thesabanfreeclinic.org 323our city. They’re lost, they’re afraid, they’re is a place they can go. And that they can 330-1617
most likely either mentally or physically get services regardless of their ability to
ill. And walk on they do…. Walking toward pay. Plus, the quality of care rivals the Q. What more can the residents of Los
nowhere and often nothing but another street best doctor offices in Los Angeles. Many Angeles do to help support the clinics?
corner. Yet, on and on and on they walk- what patients make the Clinic their medical
else are they to do? It’s the the never-ending home so it is comforting for them to A. People can visit our webpage www.
drama of the homeless. Too many of us know that they can have a regular doctor thesabanfreeclinic.org
to
make
a
think they are only “after the bottle,” without that they see, just like someone who has donation. They can also learn about
perhaps ever considering that the ‘bottle’ they insurance.
volunteer opportunities, make an in-kind
need is for their baby. Thankfully, The Saban
donation for a silent auction, help with
Free Clinic exists in this city of Angeles… Q. How did you get involved with the clinic our annual client holiday party, or donate
can we all try to be one of these angels? Can Abbe? How long have you been working toiletries for the shower services we
we try to make it more prominent? I can with them? Please explain briefly how this provide for our homeless clients. There
only hope…. The Change Begins With You job affects you personally.
are many way to help support the Clinic.
and Me and Everyone else who lives in Los
Angeles… Do We Care? Let’s show them how A. Abbe Land began working at the Q. Where do you see the clinic five or ten
much we do. Thankfully, the Sunset Gower & clinic as the Co-Chief Executive Officer years from now?
Bronson Studios certainly is a firm supporter. in 1997. Land started as the director of
Again this year they are hosting the annual development, and in 2003 became Co-CEO A. In 2014, we hope that a significant
“Extravaganza for the Senses” food and wine with Jeff Bujer, who had been the Clinic’s portion of our patients will be eligible
event. The event being held on July 16th Chief Financial Officer.
for healthcare reform. We will still be
features an amazing opportunity to delight
their ‘medical home,’ but they will have
in some delicious food and even finer wines. “ Everyday I know that we are making a expanded access to specialty care with
But most importantly, it raises vital funds difference in someone’s life, explains Abbe. healthcare reform which will help us
for the free clinic. The event, in its 14th year “The people who work and volunteer at the provide quality care. We see the clinic
has raised over $1 million dollars so far. Clinic are passionate about our mission, doing more in the area of prevention and
Terri Melkonian, VP of Sales and Marketing, and dedicated to doing all they can to help health education. In a decade we would
Sunset Gower & Bronson Studios says, “Our people stay healthy. It is a privilege to work like to be able to say that people who use
company is very involved in community for an organization that has remained clinic services are healthier, and able to
outreach. We make an effort throughout the true to the fundamental principal that help others to be healthy.
year to give back by supporting many local health care is a right, not a privilege. I am

July 2011 - 27

Photo by Jenny Lopez

Denise
Chamian
Casting agent to the stars
By Jenny Werth

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The difficulty of the business
keeps you humble. You can be
up one minute and be at the
top of the list, and then not be.â&#x20AC;?

Y

ou’re at it again- dreaming up a few scenarios of how
you’re going to be discovered by casting agent Denise Chamian. Your reverie today pictures Chamian’s
workday filled with tons of auditions, endless phone
calls and hours of studying her countless databases of actors
from LA to Sydney only to find she still hasn’t found the right
actor for the role. So, she simply calls it a day and saunters
off to her neighborhood dry cleaners to see what new “it”
star-to-be happens to be dropping off their whites and colors
that afternoon. And there you stand, pen in hand, Hollywood
mega-watt smile intact, ready to sign the contract. But as you
reach to autograph your name, all of a sudden an even better fantasy flashes across your subconscious. And this version is equally gratifying. You- the consummate actor- slyly
‘talk your way’ past the guards at Sunset Gower Studios late
at night… you walk its maze of confusing hallways until you
“discover” Denise Chamian’s ever-powerful office. You enter it feeling thoroughly pleased and soon fall asleep in her
chair, where vital decisions are made. The next morning you
wake up in Disney-nirvana to a symphony of Cinderella-like
happy mice. They’re singing that indeed you’ve been selected as the lead actor in the next award-winning movie. Next
thing you know, Chamian strolls in to personally hand you
your shiny contract. You’re already visualizing the many red
carpets you’ll saunter with sunglasses. But abruptly your arm
is pinched so painfully that your dream is rudely interrupted
by someone with a script sitting next to you requesting that
you please stop murmuring about contracts. Reality has offensively reappeared to remind you that you’re still a humble
hopeful sitting with other head-shot clad hopefuls waiting for
their chance to audition. Your fabulous power nap is over,
and as you review your lines, you notice everyone is safely
seated right outside Chamian’s door. That coveted doorway
to your possible fame.
Sure, it’s just someone’s silly daydream…. but it’s not far off
from the hopes and deepest longings of so many would-be
stars who dream of making it in Hollywood everyday. So, how
does Chamian stay so humble when there are so many actors sitting outside her ‘golden’ doorway that leads to an office
where people’s dreams depend on her decisions? Not to mention she has a friendly, approachable manner despite casting
a list of hit movies lengthier than most housewives’ grocery
lists. “The difficulty of the business keeps you humble. You
can be up one minute and be at the top of the list and then
not be,” she explains. Plus she has a true passion for the industry itself. “I love helping actors and shepherding people’s
careers,” she says. And once your agent does what it takes to
really get you past her door, you can expect to spend quite
some time in there (if you have a chance at the part.) Chamian says a newer talent auditions four to five times on average
to land a lead role.
A native of Los Angeles, Chamian grew up loving movies
and actors. She first started working at a theatrical agency
in 1984. “It was a good fit with my personality and how I saw
myself as a person,” she says. Eventually she made the transition to TV and today is perfectly content to have offices in
Sunset Gower Studios. Chamian is no stranger to hard work
or the extraordinary opportunities certain introductions can
make in your life. Especially when the introduction is to Steven Spielberg. Obviously Chamian’s reputation for having an
eye at casting phenomenal actors had spread amongst even
the most admired directors because eventually Mr. Spielberg
asked Chamian to do the casting for “Saving Private Ryan.”
Incidentally, Spielberg won best director for the unforgettable
movie starring talent such as Tom Hanks, Edward Burns and
Matt Damon. Chamian recalls that it was frightening, exciting and challenging. “I knew this was my shot and I had to

rise to the occasion.” She rose to it alright and has a long ladder
of casting successes bursting through any concept of a woman’s ‘glass ceiling’ visible from Hollywood to Santa Barbara. Or,
at the very least visible from her comfy Sunset Gower Studio
offices that she’s happily called her home away from home for
the last four years. She says her studio offices have everything
she needs for both the purposes of an office and a functional
audition space with natural light. She also appreciates the tech
employees and boasts that she is “never going to leave.” And
who could blame her? Shortly before moving into Sunset Gower Studios she remembers a time when she had to move offices
literally four times in ten weeks. Indeed, the moving offices
story has reached “the end.”
Chamian casts for a broad kaleidoscope of movies as diverse as
the actors that constantly fill the pages of tabloid magazines.
Just a tiny splash of box office favorites she is responsible for
casting are, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” starring Will Smith,
Jaden Smith and Thandie Newton; “Pirates of the Caribbean:
At World’s End,” starring Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley;
“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” starring Shia LaBeouf,
Megan Fox and Tyrese Gibson and just this past weekend, the
third in the Transformer’s series, “Transformers: Dark of the
Moon,” opened to 116.4-million at the box office! And Chamian
just keeps ‘transforming’ the world of entertainment with hitafter-hit of films such as the highly acclaimed “Transformers:
Dark of the Moon” film which has fans ecstatic throughout the
country! Not only are the visuals out-of-this-world, but the cast
is also a star-studded assortment of talent including the return
of Shia LaBeouf and Tyrese Gibson. In fact, the scope of Chamian’s colossal success in this tough industry is evident with
just a quick glance through some of the most recent movies
she’s casted including hits such as “Water for Elephants” starring academy award-winner, Reese Witherspoon and handsome Robert Pattinson. Plus, coming up are a few other films
that promise to entertain movie-lovers, in particular is the SciFi Thriller “In Time” directed and written by Andrew Niccol and
starring Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried and Cillian Murphy. Also coming up this fall, Chamian is making waves with
some of the other great movies she’s recently casted including
“Killer Joe” starring Matthew McConaughey and Emily Hirsch
and “The Rum Diary” directed by Bruce Robinson and starring
Johnny Depp, Amber Heard and Aaron Eckhart. In Hollywood,
there’s really only a tiny handful of casting agents that consistently cast unforgettable films decade after decade; naturally
Chamian belongs to this remarkable group.
However, given the wide variety of her chosen actors, Chamian
is the first to say she is not a “one-man-act” in the selection
process of the cast. Rather, it’s a collaborative waltz between
her and the production’s director. Essentially, they each listen
to the beat of different actors’ drums until they agree on a brilliant cast. And it’s a song and dance she plans to continue. Even
ten years from now, Chamian says she still sees herself working
with the same directors she currently admires and loves. Of
course, this kind of regard for ones’ respective colleagues and
genuine desire to continue working with them is something
consultants practically coerce co-workers to emulate.
This degree of working collaboration is sometimes regarded
as ‘fiction,’ especially in the cutthroat showbiz industry of Los
Angeles. But, the irony remains that somehow those who are
perseverant enough to stick it out in this industry often find
solace fraternizing amongst others with skin as thick as their
own. They also make up a league of their own. A league from
where timeless movies are made, unforgettable actors are discovered and remarkable casting agents shine. And we, the audience, get to enjoy the final product by being transported to a
different place for a while, with popcorn in hand.
July 2011 - 29

LA THEA
Fireworks aren’t the only thing sparkling this month.
Just look at all of these new shows exploding onto
the Southern California theatre scene, including:
“D is for Dog” In the seemingly innocent home of the
Rogers family, life is like a 1950s sitcom—or is it? All is
not as perfect as it seems. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers and their
two darling children,
Dick and Jane, must
face their history and
identity before it’s
too late, with only
mysterious
phone
calls and a forbidden
book as clues. (Mature
audiences). Written
by Katie Polebaum,
Sean T. Cawelti, and
Rogue Artists Ensemble, music by Ben Phelps and
John Nobori and directed by Sean T. Cawelti, it runs
July 1 through August 7 at the Studio/Stage in Los
Angeles. For tickets call 213-596-9468 or visit www.
rougueartists.org.
“Fiction” tracks a married couple, both novelists, as
they venture into their memories on separate trips to
the same writers colony. Once there, they both face
a life-changing experience with the same amazing
and intriguing young woman. Their encounters with
her remain secret until journals, diaries and a brain
tumor bring the tender and difficult truth bubbling to
the surface. Written by Steven Dietz and directed by
Joshua Morrison, it runs July 8 through July 31 at the
Underground Theater in Hollywood. For tickets call
818-849-4039 or visit www.theatreunleashed.com.
“In Bed with Tenn” Six short plays: “Talk to me like the
Rain and Let Me Listen” Two outsiders can connect
only in bed; “Hello from Bertha” A prostitute, stricken
with diseases, suffers schizoid delusions of an idolized
past lover; “The Lady of Larkspur Lotion” A drunkard
and a degenerate find solace in each other’s fantasies;
“Green Eyes” Reveals the effects of war through the
sexual fantasies of a newlywed couple; “The Big Game”
In the men’s ward of a city hospital we find out what
really is the big game; “The Pronoun ‘I’” A whimsical
fantasy involving a Mad Queen and a narcissistic
boy toy. Written by Tennessee Williams and directed
by Natalia Lazarus and George Neilson, it runs July 8
through July 23 at the Promenade Playhouse in Santa
Monica. For tickets call 310-656-6070 or visit www.
plays411.com/bedwithtenn.
“As You like It- The Musical” Duke Frederick has
deposed the rightful ruler of the land his older brother
(Duke Senior). Frederick threatens Senior’s daughter
Rosalind with death unless she goes into exile. But

Frederick’s daughter Celia, Rosalind’s best friend,
heads to the forest with her BFF, where Duke Senior
has sought refuge with a band of followers a la Robin
Hood. In pursuit of Rosalind is Orlando, who loves her.
Meanwhile, Rosalind, to protect herself, assumes the
guise of a man. Written by William Shakespeare, with
adaptation, music, and direction by Tony Tanner, it
runs July 9 through July 31 at the Great Hall Courtyard
in Plummer Park in West Hollywood. For tickets call
323-960-5691 or email classicaltheatrelab@gmail.com.
“The Wedding Singer” It’s 1985 and Robbie Hart is
New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer and is engaged
to the platinum blonde, leather clad Linda who stands
Robbie up at the altar of his own wedding day. Bitter
and broken, Robbie begins to make every wedding as
disastrous as his own until a warm-hearted waitress
named Julia intervenes. Though heartbroken over his
fiancée, Robbie is forced to reexamine the meaning
of love and marriage with the help of Julia. The only
trouble is, Julia is about to be married! Can Robbie pull
off the performance of the decade and win the girl of
his dreams? Written by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy,
music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and
directed by Larry Raben, it runs July 9 through July 24
at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts
Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-856-1999 or
visit www.musical.org.
“Shrek the Musical”
In a faraway kingdom
turned upside down,
things get ugly when
an unseemly ogre
shows up to rescue
a feisty princess in
order to reclaim the
deed to his land.
Throw in a donkey
who won’t shut up, a villain with a ‘short’ temper, a
cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale
misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a
real hero. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, music by
Jeanine Tesori, and directed by Jason Moore and Rob
Ashford, it runs July 12 through July 31 at the Pantages
Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 800-982-2787 or
visit www.broadwayla.org.
“Mary Poppins” Based on the famous movie by the
same name; this is a musical about a maid who knows
enough magic to appear exactly when she is needed
to watch over two children in England. Written by
Julian Fellowes, based on a book by P.L. Travers, music
by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, and
directed by Richard Eyre, it runs July 14 through August
7 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom
Hall in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-556-2787 or visit
www.SCFTA.org.

TRE BEAT
“Blackbird”
Una shows up
unexpectedly
at the office of
Ray,
forcing
him to come to
terms with the
effects of their
relationship.
Una
pulls
Ray into an
encounter that
is
gripping,
surprising and utterly unforgettable. Written by David
Harrower and directed by Robin Larsen, it runs through
July 24 at the Rogue Machine at Theatre Theater in Los
Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit www.
roguemachinetheatre.com.
“The Last Five Years” tells the story of the five years
of a marriage, from intense love to a final, painful
separation. However, there is an intriguing twist: the
man lives the five years of the marriage from exuberant
beginning to its heart-rending ending, but the woman
lives the five years backward, from end to beginning.
Their “times” correspond only once, signaled by a
remarkable duet. Written by Jason Robert Brown,
music by Jason Robert Brown, and directed by William
Hemmer, it runs through July 24 at The Lounge 2
Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-5770 or
visit www.plays411.com/lastfiveyears.
“A Memory of Two Mondays” a young man yearning for
a college education and a life beyond the hopelessness
of the 1930’s Great Depression. It focuses on several
working class characters diligently earning a living in a
Brooklyn automobile parts warehouse, and depicts the
way a common experience can bond people together.
Written by Arthur Miller and directed by Amelia
Mulkey, it runs through July 25 at the Ruskin Group
Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-397-3244
or visit www.ruskingrouptheatre.com.
“Bakersfield Mist” is a lively comedy, inspired by true
events, in which Maude Gutman, an unemployed,
chain-smoking ex-bartender living in a rundown
California trailer park, believes the painting she
bought in a thrift store for $3 is really an undiscovered
masterpiece worth millions. When stuffy New York
art expert Lionel Percy arrives to evaluate the work,
a fiery battle erupts over class, truth, value, and the
meaning of art. Written and directed by Stephen Sachs,
it runs through July 31 at the Fountain Theatre in Los
Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.
fountaintheatre.com.

BY STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH

“Barrie: Back to Back” An evening of plays by J.M.
Barrie: Rosalind and The Old Lady Shows Her Medals
– two delightful, unique and rarely produced works
by the author of “Peter Pan” which mirror each other,
examining the theme of unlikely love in early 1900’s
England with humor, wit and poignancy. Written by J.
M. Barrie and directed by Marilyn Fox and Dana Dewes,
it runs through July 31 at the Pacific Resident Theatre
in Venice. For tickets call 310-822-8392 or visit www.
PacificResidentTheatre.com.
“The Word Begins” follows the journey of two men as
they explore race, faith, and morality in America-from
the inner cities to the heartland. They move through
a chaotic landscape throughout their compelling
journey, as they attempt to come to terms with the
realities of this American moment. Written by Steve
Connell and Sekou Andrews, and directed by Robert
Egan, it runs through July 24 at the Rogue Machine
at Theatre Theater in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855585-5185 or visit www.roguemachinetheatre.com.
“Margo Veil” is a cross between a surreal radio
melodrama and wacky comedy filled with music and
fantasy. Margo Veil is a young actress whose strange
adventures
lead
her into an everchanging landscape
of dream and reality.
Written by Len Jenkin
and directed by Bart
DeLorenzo, it runs
through July 31 at
the Odyssey Theatre
in Los Angeles. For
tickets call 310-4772055 or visit www.
odysseytheatre.com.
“Sex and Education” a retiring school teacher who
catches the star basketball player passing a note to his
girlfriend during their final examination. She decides
to teach him a final lesson to make up for a career
of frustration with uncommitted students. Written
by Lissa Levin and directed by Tom Ormeny, it runs
through August 7 at the Victory Theatre Center in
Burbank. For tickets call 818-841-5421 or visit www.
thevictorytheatrecenter.org.

With all these extravaganzas to choose from,
you’re sure to find something to spark your
interest, so make today special - go out to the
theater!

July 2011 - 31

MIKE RICHARDSON

The Man Behind The Fictional Characters That Make Us Smile.
By Jenny Werth

I

n Greek mythology, Pegasus is a flying horse who
has the amazing power to soar through the sky.
From the Middle Ages until the Renaissance, Pegasus also symbolized wisdom and a source of inspiration for poets. It’s an enchanting animal that
harbors the supernatural ability to feel the freedom
of flight while galloping across the sky. Pegasus
evokes the kind of magical visuals inside one’s mind that fill
the artistic pages of comic books. It’s unlikely you’ll actually ever see Pegasus, yet the unexpected does happen. Behold the incredible journey of Mike Richardson. Here is a
man who spent $2000 to start a tiny 400-square-foot comic
book store called Pegasus in Oregon, and ended up with a
multi-million dollar empire. Last year alone, his company,
Dark Horse, brought in around $30 million. Interestingly,
his climb from ‘small-town’ to ‘Hollywood VIP’ has been a
remarkably smooth transition, especially when compared to
the frequent ‘rejection-bound’ path many Angelenos experience during their quest toward their big break. That being
said, it’s certainly notable that Mike ‘made it,’ without ever
having had any kind of ‘plan’ toward such tremendous success. Literally, step by step, Mike founded a series of businesses in order to create a publishing and filmmaking world
that was suited to his purposes.
And it all began with the writers who first visited his small
comic store. Besides putting up tons of enticing visuals
around his flagship store, he also began bringing in comic
writers and authors for signings. Mike recalls there hadn’t
been that kind of presence before in Bend, Oregon; he also
soon learned some other essential facts that changed the
course of his life. “When we’d go out to dinner (with writers)
I’d hear that the creators didn’t get to own the creations they
made, so I realized I needed to start a publishing company,”
Mike recalls. It didn’t matter that he didn’t know anything
about the publishing world- he simply decided it was a necessity and took funds from his retail operations and created
Dark Horse Comics. Just. Like. That. Dark Horse Comics
was a novelty at the time- it wasn’t the norm to treat writers
and artists as though they were partners. However, Mike’s

32 - Hollywood WEEKLY

generosity soon
led some of the
industry’s top creators to his company to publish
and market their
creations.
Soon
after, Dark Horse
Comics began receiving a lot of
attention.
“Studios started calling to option our
characters at the
time…. (but) I had
promised the creators that Dark
Horse would be
different, (but I)
didn’t know about
this (side of the
business) and so
I became a producer.” Again, not
knowing
anything about being
a producer, Mike dove in head-first and triumphed a second
time. Just. Like. That…Again.
From there, the number of Mike’s
accomplishments are dizzying.
Mike’s vision has reached millions
of people from the initial launch
in 1986 of Dark Horse Presents to
Boris the Bear from Dark Horse
Comics to the 1988 transformation of comics based on popular
films with the release of its hit
series Aliens. Regardless, Mike has never been one to slow
down simply because he’s already reached success. Quite
the contrary! By 1992, Mike had already established Dark
Horse Entertainment, Inc. Naturally, it was time to transform film characters into comic book stars. The result of this
development was responsible for the unforgettable movies,
The Mask and Timecop. Both fantastic films impressed fans
by opening number one at the box offices. In addition, as
most movie-goers may remember, Cameron Diaz and Jim
Carrey both got their start in Hollywood in The Mask. Perhaps at the time we didn’t realize it, but it’s now obvious that
when Carrey declared the now infamous line “SMOOOOKING....” in The Mask, he very well could have been referring
to the genius of Mike! As Mike fondly recalls, “Once you
have two hit movies in one year, you’re good to go.” Well,
certainly for Mike anyway.
Since then, there’ve been many more hit films, television
projects and even a retail store aptly named Things From
Another World, Inc. at Universal Studios CityWalk in Los
Angeles. , the store was designed with a crashed spaceship
rooted in the building. And luckily for us, the ever-talented
Mike has plenty more in store for his entertainment-empire
coming soon. “I’ve done some things that I’ve really enjoyed
and am proud of- both in comics and film. We’ve got projects going in all directions now. I’ve begun editing again.
I try to be involved in all our companies. I’ve not lost enthusiasm,” Mike says. Indeed he’s a man of his word; all 6

feet 9 inches of him. At 60, with his crisp white hair and
unassuming personality, he continues to not only keep up
with the ever-rapidly-changing world of technology, but in
fact, introduces new transitions that follow today’s digital
era. Point in fact, Dark Horse Digital’s brand new proprietary
digital-comics application is filled with hundreds of titles for
download. “Find (the application) on iTunes and the Dark
Horse Digital storefront at Digital.DarkHorse.com,” Mike
says with a smile. So, does Mike stop here? Of course not!
In fact, he’s close to shooting a new movie this September in
Boston. It’s a movie Mike’s been working on for ten-years;
evidence of his unwavering commitment to his craft. The
movie has an impressive cast including actors such as Ryan
Reynolds and Jeff Bridges. As far as the plot? Let’s just say
that it involves dead cops.
With retail stores, digital mediums, movies underway and
so much more, Dark Horse Entertainment also celebrates its
companies’ twenty-fifth anniversary this year! Indeed, with
his usual vigor, Mike certainly doesn’t seem to have any desire to retire. Instead, he seems more motivated than ever
to get this movie off the ground and make his way to the
next challenge. Like many others, you may wonder where
he finds his incredibly creative ideas; who is his muse? “I get
inspiration everywhere, anywhere; great books, people, (inspiration) comes from surprising places,” Mike explains. He
also flourishes within the creative environment offered in
the Sunset Gower Studios where he’s maintained his offices
for over three years.
“I like the idea of being on a studio lot...
you’re around a lot
of creative people, so
there’s an atmosphere
for creativity.”
To follow in his footprints, Mike has some
basic advice. “Anyone who is trying to move into (this industry) has to have
thick skin; be persistent; be willing to not have ‘your own
way’ every time and be willing to collaborate.” He certainly
acknowledges this
is a tough business but believes,
“if you’re creative
and
persistent,
you can make it.”
Lest we forget the
humble
beginnings that prompted Mike’s mindboggling journey.
“Who knows,” he
says. I started a
comic shop that
was 400 squarefeet with $2000
and it’s worked out
pretty good.” Note
to self: Just. Like.
That… Again… and
Again….

“Anyone who is trying to move into this industry has to have thick skin; be persistent;
be willing to not have ‘your own way’ every
time and be willing to collaborate.”

July 2011 - 33

Spotlight:LA Matchmakers
By: Niki Shadrow

Q.

Why did you become a matchmaker? Did you do
any interesting jobs before you became a matchmaker?

A.

Ever since I met my husband at the age of 18, I
became one of these cheesy people who wanted to
see everybody around me in happy, fun relationships
too! I kept asking people if they knew any single girls
or guys for my single
friends and set them up
on dates, some of which
were really successful!! I
was in law school at the
time, and was planning
on pursuing a career
at an international law
firm
or
institution,
but
kept
“joking”
about really wanting
to be a professional
matchmaker instead.
When I moved to LA I
started working for a
big and prestigious law
firm. I liked the work
and colleagues, and
Mon Amour Matchmaking since some of them were
single, I wanted to find out what they were looking
for…and hook them up! Deep down, I knew my true
ambition was to help people find love and decided to
apply for a job as a matchmaker at a high-end agency. I
got the position and really LOVED it!!

It was 1985
a
matchmaker
approached us at
a grand opening
of a night club. We
thought it was a
great idea because
Sherry was so shy
Meet A Mate approaching and
meeting men. After a few months of being matched
Sherry started working for the matchmaker realizing
this was her calling and enjoyed helping people finding
love. Both of us have been doing it since.

Sherri and Eva Singer

Q.

Did you do any interesting jobs before you became
a matchmaker

A.

Prior to matchmaking our family owned and
operated a chain of health clubs where we coached,
taught exercise and aerobic dance classes. It’s been our
life long journey to help people mentally, physically
and personally.

Q.

How do you recruit men/ women for your
company?

A.

We advertise online with google, yahoo, the
social networks, and are involved with several reality
shows catered to single celebrities as well as personal
networking at various functions.

Q.

Do you think it is harder to fix up Men or Women
in Los Angeles?

A.

Q.

Why did
you become a
matchmaker?

A.

Diane

Q. Do you believe in love at first sight?
A. Hmmm…. I’m not sure!! I believe

in instant

attraction. Love is a big word…

Q.

What would you say your demographic is/
specialty?

Both men and women are complex
individuals. It depends on the person how
For now, I am working with professionals under
open, healthy minded available they are
the age of 45(ish)
You need to get
to have someone in their life. If there
to know the person you
are too many road blocks and lists, are with. A connection needs
What is your favorite success story/ couple
then they are setting themselves up
you fixed up? Do you know the total amount of
to be developed, it means:
for failure. When the single person is compatibility, friendship, trust, couples you fixed up?
ready and free from the old patterns
values, communication,
that has not worked for them before,
I’m not sure how many couples I’ve
consistency, and respect
then the magic begins and they will
successfully set up, but it’s just an AWESOME feeling
for each other.
soon have a significant other. We are very
to hear that two people you’ve introduced hit it off. A
selective about who we work with.We spend
girl I absolutely adore met a really cool, fun, successful
2-3 hours to find out if they are good candidates
guy I introduced her too, and just hearing the joy in her
for a serious relationship.www.meetamate.com
voice…priceless! www.monamourmatchmaking.com/

A.

Q.
A.

34 - Hollywood WEEKLY

An insider’s peek into the art of finding love in the big city...
Q.

Q. Why did you become a matchmaker?
A. I came to Los Angeles over 20 + years ago to

work as an image makeover specialist,
wedding planner and to expand my
LOVE
career in the TV business and to
is the most important
meet men! After arriving to LA
thing in your life...treat
and I saw a lack of community
yourself as a sacred gift and
connections and I started hosting as you grow to truly love and
honor yourself from the
events called LoveWorks cocktail
inside out all things show
mixers and I hooked up people
up to support you!
naturally for love,
friendship
and business. I was lonely here
so I wanted to be the connector and
I created my business from a need I saw in LA and it
worked. I also noticed that people needed guidance and
inspiration along with image make overs and coaching
so I began my business over 20+ years ago but did not
name it matchmaking.

Q.

What would you say your demographic is/
specialty?

A.

My demographic is mostly singles from 25-55
who are serious about finding love. My speciality is my
coaching services and makeovers and my direct “ Get
Real” advice and experience in the dating trenches I
have coached thousands of singles after hosting events
and seminars for over 500,000 singles of all ages so I
see the way people date and can help them to achieve
success with my process.

Q. Do you set up all ages?
A. I have set up people from
all age ranges

Q. Do you think it is harder
to fix up Men or Women in Los
Angeles?

A.

Renee Piane
Rapid Dating

LA is a great place to be
single and both sexes have their
challenges in Los Angeles in
the dating scene since the city
is so spread out . I know there
are many singles of both sexes
here who get disappointed
and disillusioned ... but mixed
in with all the craziness there
are some amazing people if you
network and know who you are!
www.ReneePiane.com

Why did you become
a matchmaker?

A.

Nothing is more
gratifying than changing
two people’s lives forever!
I’ve been a matchmaker
for over 11 years and
have always been in the
people business. I love
being able to help our
clients find their special
someone. This is what I
do best!

Q.

Do you believe in

Stacy love at first sight?

It’s Just Lunch

A.

I believe in LUST at
first sight and that can certainly lead to true love!

Q.

How do you recruit men/ women for your
company?

A.

Our business is built on referrals, we are really tight
knit group! We’ve been matching up busy professionals
for over 19 years and that yields a lot of referrals!

Q.

What is your favorite success story/ couple you
fixed up?

A.

Harrison is 35, advanced degree, from the Mid
West. Came to LA for a great position. He’s 5’11, good
looking and down to earth. He’s a traditional guy,
close to his family and ready to find a great, attractive
partner. On his fourth date he met Angela, 31,
advanced degree (nutritionist), petite, fun personality,
grew up in Northern California, now living in LA. He
was her first Its Just Lunch date! Harrison was ecstatic
and put himself on hold with us so he could focus on
getting to know Angela. He told her that she should
keep dating since she had just started her It’s Just
Lunch membership. She was ready to just date him
exclusively as well! That was the reason she came to
us… to meet someone compatible! They had been
dating for one year when I received their call to inform
me they got engaged!. I got another call last week and
now their pregnant! Happy New Year!

Q. Do you have any advice for single people in LA?
A. Call me! www.itsjustlunch.com
July 2011 - 35